Denali National Park Road Open To Mile 13

Published: November 3, 2011

The contractors working on the culvert replacement project have finished for the season, and the Denali Park Road is now open to the Savage River Campground at Mile 13, weather permitting. The road will close at park headquarters (Mile 3) when the next snowfall occurs. The road is closed to traffic west of the campground due to icy and snowy conditions on sections of the road, particularly the portion that winds down to the Savage River. Visitors are advised to call ahead for weather and road information, as conditions can change rapidly.

There will be vault toilets available for visitors at the Mountain Vista Trailhead parking area. All other facilities west of headquarters, such as campgrounds and restrooms, are closed. The Murie Science and Learning Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. to provide park information and backcountry permits.

The Bear Loop of the Riley Creek Campground at Mile 0.2 is open for camping, but the water is off for the season. A vault toilet is available for campers, and water can be obtained at the Murie Science and Learning Center. Gas, food service and lodging are available year-round in the communities of Healy and Cantwell.

Denali National Park and Preserve collects an entrance fee year-round. The entrance fee of $10 per person or $20 per vehicle is good for seven days. The majority of the money collected remains in the park to be used for projects to improve visitor services and facilities. Interagency Federal Recreation Passes such as the Annual, Senior, and Access Pass, and the Denali Annual Pass are also valid for entry into the park. Visitors can pay entrance fees at the Murie Science and Learning Center.

Did You Know?
Cold temperatures limit trees from growing at high elevation in Denali. Warmer temperatures, however, have led to woody vegetation growing at ever-higher elevations. Treeline changes are a conspicuous sign of climate change.